Most of these seniors played on the American Legion baseball team that qualified for the summer state tournament, a first for a Cook County baseball team. With a strong group of pitchers, some big bats and slick fielders, the Cook County baseball team could be in line to have one of its best seasons ever. That is, when they can play some games. The first two were cancelled and their third scheduled match against North Woods on Friday, April 12, will almost assuredly be called off due to the expected snowstorm hitting the area. Seniors starting in front, L-R: Tristen Bockovich, Andrew Miller, Cameron Roy, Joe Deschampe. Back L-R: Josh Prom, Dillon Sjogren, Levi Sheils, Connor Somnis, and Lyndon Blomberg. Staff photo/Brian Larsen
Expectations are plentiful for the 2019 CCHS baseball team.
“We are 37 players strong and are led by a strong and dedicated senior class,” said Viking head coach Arleigh Jorgenson.
Seven of Jorgenson’s players are returning starters, but the coach noted that he lost two of his top players from last year’s team, Colton Furlong to graduation and Garrett Curran to transfer.
If it’s true a baseball team is as good as its pitching, then the Vikings should be highly competitive.
“Pitching looks to be our strength; Andrew Miller, Dillon Sjogren, Joe Deschampe, Josh Prom, Adam Dorr, and Tristen Bockovich are all talented pitchers.
“We are strong behind the plate as well with Dillon Sjogren, at first with Joe Deschampe, at shortstop with Tristen Bockovich, at third with Cameron Roy, in center with Josh Prom, and right field with Connor Somnis,” said the coach. “Second base and left field are undetermined, but Adam Dorr, Levi Sheils, Aram Falter, and Tate Crawford are likely in the mix, possibly others.
“Our junior varsity team must have a good year of preparation as they will be replacing these seniors next year. Expect to see significant contributions from this group: Aram Falter, Tate Crawford, DJ Seidel, Patrick Pierre, Riley Tarver, Isaiah Deschampe, and Kole Anderson. Others are emerging as well. A third aspect of our enthusiasm is a nine-player seventh-grade class and a six-player eighth-grade class. All of our players are well prepared.”
When asked how he thought the 2019 Vikings would do on the field, coach Jorgenson didn’t pull any punches.
“As far as expectations go. Of course they are high, but we will take it one game at a time. Our expectations are to become the best baseball team we can become. This is true for the JV team as well as the junior high team.
“Yes, surely, we should be considered as a contender for a Section championship, but there are some good teams out there with the same expectations. In the end, our success will be judged by how close we become as teammates, how closely we bond, and how far we progress as a team.
“We have individuals with talent, dedication, and skills, but it is not talented individuals that win championships, it is teams that play well together. To that end, we are optimistic. This is a fine bunch of guys. We know we are going to have a lot of fun this year.”
The Vikings’ first games of the year were scheduled for April 9 at home vs. Silver Bay, then Carlton on Thursday, April 11, and back home to host Northwoods on the 12th, but were all cancelled due to the snowstorm that covered the Northland.
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